Chapter 281: Prophecy, Ley Line Master, and Detention Again
For a whole week, Umbridge caused chaos throughout Hogwarts.
More and more prohibitions were posted on the walls, including "No use of Weasley products", "No music", "No laughter"...
Meanwhile, Umbridge infiltrated every professor's classroom.
She occasionally asserted her authority by interrupting professors and interviewing students during class.
Professor Flitwick seemed to be doing well, but when Aiden looked at him, the light in his eyes had disappeared.
"Impressive," Aiden said quietly, giving him a thumbs-up from below.
Days of torment stirred up resentment among Hogwarts students; even the traditionally power-following Slytherins had grown dissatisfied with Umbridge's interference.
At night, a beautiful dragon sat atop the dream clouds, carefully weaving a protective net.
In the collective unconscious sea, waves accumulated by the young wizards' dissatisfaction were gently allowed to pass, surging toward a professor's office within Hogwarts.
Thursday, Divination class. Umbridge still sat on Trelawney's cushion, holding her scoreboard.
Trelawney was very impatient with this unexpected intruder, but remembering Professor McGonagall's instructions, she endured.
"Come now, children, report to me the dreams you've collected recently," Trelawney said to the young wizards.
Meanwhile, the dragon sitting in the corner spread out his hands, with silver-white threads hanging down.
The threads supported a small net with crystal-clear droplets shimmering on it.
If someone looked closely, they would discover these weren't water drops at all, but glowing dreams.
When Trelawney was about to call on Aiden, he was still debating whether to submit this thing.
However, Umbridge timely came to Aiden's rescue.
"Professor Trelawney, could you make a prophecy for me?" Umbridge interrupted the class.
Finally, Trelawney's anger was ignited, and she raised her trembling hand.
A tremendous force took control of Trelawney's voice.
Aiden sensed the fluctuation of power and turned around to see an old friend.
"How is it you?" Aiden said, raising an eyebrow.
"The old man said I should take over some of his work," Oliver answered.
"I didn't expect that after being away so long, the teaching environment here would be polluted like this. How can you just watch this vermin run wild on your territory?"
Oliver looked at Umbridge with disgust while teasing Aiden.
"This time Fudge elevated her, completing his merger with conservative forces. Next, she'll become the first falling stone when the edifice collapses."
The dragon sat on the high platform, pronouncing Umbridge's fate.
Speaking alongside him was Professor Trelawney; Oliver took out a crystal ball and aimed it at Trelawney.
"The Dream Dragon has woven a great net for all. The storm of war approaches, and you, your path leads only to endless darkness."
Trelawney's throat seemed filled with thousands of people: men, women, children, elderly. Their voices mixed together, creating an extremely eerie sound.
"Lovely," Umbridge said with a smile, marking an X on her record board.
"Uh, what did I just say?" Trelawney said, looking confused.
Oliver stuffed a glowing crystal ball into his chest.
"Take care of yourself, brother. I have a feeling it won't be peaceful down there," Aiden warned him.
"Isn't the biggest source of turmoil you yourself, Dream Dragon, who weaves the great net?"
Oliver gave Aiden a hug, then dissipated into the air.
"Source of turmoil?" Aiden said, looking out the window and smiling.
Friday afternoon, Umbridge used her investigator's authority to dismiss Trelawney.
She packed all of Trelawney's belongings and threw them out the door.
In the cold wind, both wore thick clothes, but Professor Trelawney looked particularly desolate.
"I've taught here for sixteen years. Hogwarts is my home," Trelawney said, her voice choking.
"You can't do this," she pleaded.
"Actually, I can," Umbridge said, raising her letter of appointment.
Professor McGonagall pushed through the blocking students, ran to the middle, and embraced Trelawney.
"Do you have anything to say?" Umbridge provoked.
"Oh, of course, I have plenty to say," Professor McGonagall said, glaring fiercely at her.
"Click." Behind them, Hogwarts' main gate opened.
The dragon and phoenix walked out, their immense magical power spreading freely, causing some students to distance themselves.
"Minerva, take Sybill back inside," Dumbledore said.
Professor McGonagall nodded and helped Trelawney walk inside.
"Thank you," Trelawney said, grasping Dumbledore's robe as she passed him.
"Dumbledore, need I remind you that according to Decree No. 23 signed by the Minister..." Umbridge prepared to show off.
"You have the authority to dismiss my teachers, but..." Dumbledore said, interrupting Umbridge, then stepped aside to reveal Aiden behind him.
"According to ancient contract, I am the ley line manager of this land."
As Aiden spoke, he raised his hand, and the entire Hogwarts castle glowed, the light gathering into a piece of parchment.
Unfolding the parchment revealed Aiden's name written on it.
"Liar, fake! This land belongs to the Ministry. What authority do you have..."
"Oppression," Aiden spoke.
The magical power of the surrounding ley lines directly pressed Umbridge to the ground. The stone-paved floor was smashed into a shallow pit, and cracks continued expanding.
Even the most unlearned wizard could feel this world rejecting her.
"Let her go. She's Ministry personnel after all," Dumbledore said.
"Hmph," Aiden snorted coldly, and the pressure disappeared.
Umbridge stood up from the ground, dishevelled and dirty.
"According to the contract my family ancestors made with Salazar Slytherin, owner of the castle, a thousand years ago, I, as ley line manager, permit Ms. Sybill Trelawney to reside here."
After speaking, Aiden turned and left. Dumbledore also walked into the castle.
Harry wanted to catch up with them but was blocked by the scattering young wizards.
Umbridge stood in place, using all her strength to maintain her false smile, while the swollen parts of her face continued twitching.
Hogwarts' teaching continued. In subsequent classes, all professors unconsciously began avoiding practical courses and turning to theoretical teaching.
Because Umbridge had protection from the Ministry, Aiden couldn't fully control her, and the quality of classes returned to what it was before.
Hermione had memorised the entire textbook to deal with Umbridge's harassment but still lost ten points for being "too loud".
This behaviour angered Harry so much that he shouted at Umbridge on the spot and was again sentenced to detention writing in blood.